IMPROVING LIVES THROUGH DATA ECOSYSTEMS

Residents of the Western Cape have an additional period – until 14 May – to complete the Census questionnaire. The province is still lagging behind the rest of the country in terms of completeness of data collection. Nationally, 88% of households have been counted while the Western Cape is at the 60% mark.

Stats SA data collectors will be visiting communities with low response rates across the Western Cape. Almost 1,1 million households in the province have completed the census questionnaire since data collection began in February.

“We’re asking households to take 30 minutes out of their day to participate in this once-in-a-decade exercise”, said Patrick Kelly, head of census operations in the Western Cape. “A census is the only comprehensive source of data on the profile of communities. The information from the census will be used for the next ten years, so it is important that everyone participate.”

Census statistics are used in a variety of ways. For example, academics use census population estimates for predicting trends, provincial and local government for planning policy and services, businesses for product development and store locations, and national government to help share out funding. It’s all about planning ahead and making informed decisions.

The online questionnaire is available on https://getcounted.statssa.gov.za (datafree) allowing residents to answer the questions at their own convenience. Households have until the close of counting on 14 May to complete the questionnaire online. With over 600 000 households yet to be visited, Western Cape households that have not been counted are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity.

Getting access to gated communities and complexes has been a challenge across the province. Western Cape households are requested to please cooperate with the data collectors by answering the questions accurately and completely.

The Census call centre is open to assist with any enquiries – 0800 110 248 or email census2022@statssa.gov.za.